TVK Leader Vijay Unveils Sweeping Election Promises Targeting Farmers, Weavers, and MSMEs
In a major election campaign rally at Perumanallur in Tirupur district, TVK leader Vijay laid out a bold vision for Tamil Nadu, announcing a series of ambitious promises aimed at key voter segments including farmers, government employees, weavers, and MSMEs. The announcements came as part of his party's push ahead of the upcoming state elections, which he described as a "whistle revolutionary election."
Agricultural Loan Waivers and Pension Restoration
Vijay declared that once his party is elected to power, agricultural loans would be fully waived for farmers owning less than five acres of land. For those with more than five acres, a 50% waiver would be implemented. This move is expected to provide significant relief to the agricultural community, which has been grappling with debt burdens.
Additionally, he promised to restore the old pension scheme for government employees, a long-standing demand that has gained traction in recent years. Nurses, teachers, and other temporary staff who have completed five years or more of service would be made permanent government employees under the TVK government.
Comprehensive Support for Weaving Sector
Addressing the concerns of weavers, Vijay announced a multi-pronged approach to revitalize the sector. The TVK government would launch an e-commerce brand to promote weaving products in international markets, establishing "Vetri" showrooms across Tamil Nadu to sell saris and other woven garments directly to consumers.
Each family engaged in handloom and powerloom work would receive Rs 30,000 through banks. Free electricity would be increased to 500 units for handloom units and 1,500 units for powerloom units. Weavers would also benefit from life insurance coverage worth Rs 10 lakh each, and their monthly pension would be raised to Rs 3,000.
MSME Support and Power Tariff Reforms
Highlighting Tamil Nadu's position as having the second largest MSME base in the country, Vijay accused the DMK government of presiding over the closure of many such units. To counter this, he promised to create a Rs 15,000 crore state credit guarantee fund to support the sector.
He alleged that MSMEs are suffering due to a 400% peak-hour power tariff and pledged to scrap peak-hour charges entirely, aiming to help industries compete more effectively in global markets.
Police Welfare and Infrastructure Improvements
Vijay also addressed the needs of police personnel, announcing that their basic salary would be increased from Rs 18,200 to Rs 25,000, with an additional Rs 1,000 per month. A "Police Welfare and Working Conditions Act" would be enacted to regulate duty hours, ensure weekly offs, and raise the washing allowance from Rs 500 to Rs 1,000.
Police welfare hospitals would be established in Coimbatore, Madurai, Trichy, Salem, Vellore, and Tirunelveli. Notably, policewomen would not be deployed for bandobust duty, and mobile toilets would be provided for their convenience.
Massive Turnout and Campaign Highlights
Earlier in the day, Vijay received a rousing welcome at Coimbatore International Airport around 1:35 PM, where party candidates and cadres greeted him enthusiastically. His convoy traveled via Avinashi Road towards Perumanallur, with thousands of supporters lining the route, waving flags, and raising slogans.
Cadres presented him with teddy bears, vels, and large garlands during the roadshow, which caused heavy traffic congestion on Avinashi Road for over an hour. According to party sources, approximately 13 cadres, including Sulur constituency TVK candidate N M Sukumar, fainted due to heat exhaustion while waiting for Vijay's arrival and received immediate medical attention.
After his speech, TVK Gobichettipalayam candidate K A Sengottaiyan climbed onto the campaign vehicle and presented Vijay with a sword, symbolizing the party's fighting spirit. Vijay confirmed that TVK would release its full election manifesto on April 16, setting the stage for a competitive electoral battle in Tamil Nadu.
